Resting in Christ

Martha, Martha, the Lord answered, You are worried and upset about many things. Luke 10, verse 41.

Welcome to today's encouragement from Our Daily Bread. Resting in Christ was written by Brent Hackett and read by Stephen Tabor. Luke Chapter 10, verses 38 through 42. As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me. Martha, Martha, the Lord answered, You are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed or indeed only one.

Mary has chosen what is better and it will not be taken from her. Resting in Christ written by Brent Hackett. Several years ago, a study analyzed the link between teenage depression and the amount of sleep teens received each night. After reading the study, a young woman commented on the results. I never seem to know when to stop. I push myself so hard that I end up making myself sick from lack of sleep and stress. Then she said she wanted to know what it really meant to manage her time to honor God. What was the difference between busyness and fruitfulness? Being busy is no guarantee for being productive, faithful or fruitful.

Yet we might think that being busy is what's most important. In Luke, 10, 41, Jesus gently reminds Martha that she was worried and upset about many things and that her sister Mary's choice of sitting at the Lord's feet, a posture of discipleship, was the better choice. In our desire to serve Christ, are we doing too much, thinking that He'll notice us more if we do more? Colossians 3 17 says, Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus.

However, it doesn't say to burn ourselves out in His name. In Psalm 46 10, we hear this reminder, Be still and know that I am God. Let's take some time to slow down and spend time with Christ rather than focusing solely on our to do list. Only then can we find true rest for our souls. Let's pray together. Lord, teach us to rest in your presence and trust that our worth comes from your love, not our efforts. Help us to do all things for your glory with hearts anchored in stillness and peace. We love you, Lord. It's in Jesus name we pray. Amen. As you go about your day, reflect on these questions. When have you been too busy to be faithful and fruitful? How can you find rest in Jesus to accomplish what He wants you to do?